3 Fun Things

When planning a vacation, the fun doesn’t begin in the planning stages and end there. It’s also true that once your traveling is underway, the enjoyment isn’t only in getting to the next destination in a whirlwind of foreign locales. What we do at each place and as we travel says as much about us as our choice of places to visit. Here are a few fun things to try while traveling around the world.

Talking with the Locals

There’s a tendency among travelers to huddle together for safety, stick to the beaten path, take packaged tours, and avoid talking to the locals. It’s an odd phenomenon because, after all, we’re traveling to see and experience different things than what’s available in our everyday lives. Doesn’t that include the local people too?

Soaking up the ambiance is done far more easily when you are brave enough to talk openly with the locals. Sure, some people are only there to sell their trinkets or a taxi ride to your next venue, but other people are keen to practice their English and learn from you just as you wish to learn from them.

Communication is key. To help with that, there are many mobile translation apps that let visitors get a handle on a foreign language to learn a few basic words and phrases quickly. Every little bit helps in this regard. Whether it’s learning to ask for directions, where the restroom is, or what’s good on the menu; it’s all useful knowledge.

Expanding Your Horizons Through Continuing Education

Depending on how long you’re traveling for, it can get to seem like one blurry single destination the longer the world tour continues. One way to keep your moorings is to have a focus on something that’ll advance your life once you get back home.

One idea is an online masters in music program at Kent State University. It is a totally online course, which is ideal for people who will be away from home for a period of time. The online MME program covers learning musical basics, playing an instrument, and how to sing. Best of all, there’s no audition to get through before you head out on your travels.

Slowing Travel Down

There’s a tendency to rush through travel. A change of city or country every couple of days. Rush. Go faster! The problem is that the blizzard of activity is exhausting and other than those snatched photos taken at every tourist trap along the way, it’s difficult to remember any of the places afterward.

Savoring the experience so you can remember it is worth considering. Pack less into each day, stay longer in each placeand avoid the typical tourist locations for more off-the-beaten-path ones that are memorable. This is much more fun because your experience isn’t predictable, the memories are unique, and you’ll remember much more of it when you get home.

When going traveling for any serious amount of time, be sure to avoid the herd-like mentality of your fellow travelers. Develop new interests that you’ll take with you so life doesn’t become only about travel and nothing else. Doing this will lead to greater adventures and a sense of fulfillment too.